Historic Cambridge college upgrades heating with Modumax mk3 boilers

Founded in 1352, Corpus Christi College is one of the oldest institutions at the University of Cambridge. When it came time to upgrade its ageing heating and hot water system, the college faced a familiar but complex challenge: achieving modern energy efficiency and long-term reliability within a Grade I Listed building, where heritage preservation and limited plant room space required careful planning.

The existing basement plant room at Corpus Christi College contained two outdated boilers that were increasingly inefficient and could not meet the demands of the growing academic community. Furthermore, limited access and tight space made traditional large-scale equipment impractical.

Dave Ward, Area Sales Manager, Hamworthy Heating explains

Every plant room is different, particularly in heritage sites like this. Flue routing, access, and ventilation - nothing is ever straightforward. That’s why we emphasise early design support, site visits, and working closely alongside contractors to get the right solution from day one.

To meet these challenges, Bunton M&E Services, in collaboration with Hamworthy Heating, developed a bespoke solution that balanced high performance with a compact footprint and installation practicality.

The system features four Modumax mk3 floor-standing condensing boilers (196 / 392V) delivering 1,532 kW total across eight modules. These work alongside two Powerstock PS500 calorifiers, providing reliable domestic hot water. Designed for retrofit projects, Modumax mk3 boilers can be dismantled and moved through standard doorways, making them ideal for tight, basement plant rooms.

Dave Ward adds,

In retrofit projects like this, space is always at a premium. These boilers can be broken down into modules that fit through a standard doorway. That kind of flexibility is vital when access and layout dictate what can and can’t be installed.

Another key factor in the project’s success was the use of Hamworthy Heating’s 3D digital design tools. The models allowed the team to plan the plant room layout in advance and prefabricate much of the pipework offsite.

Geoff Bunton, Bunton M&E Services comments,

The 3D models allowed us to coordinate the plant room before we even stepped on site. It saved us time and helped ensure a smooth installation. In addition, careful delivery planning enabled the boilers to be moved into the basement in two batches, allowing the full installation to be completed efficiently in a single day.

With over 35 years of experience installing Hamworthy Heating products, Bunton M&E Services highlights the value of consistent technical support and reliable products,

Hamworthy Heating’s sales, technical support, spares availability, and commissioning backup are second to none. That kind of reliability is exactly what you need in projects like this.

The completed upgrade now provides Corpus Christi College with a modern, energy-efficient heating and hot water system. It improves performance, reduces emissions, and enhances operational resilience, all while preserving the historic character of the building. Serving over 500 junior members, including undergraduates and postgraduates, the system meets both academic and residential needs and helps futureproof the college’s infrastructure for years to come.

Read the full case study and watch the video, here.